Treads for the Peru State Wellness Trail

Silvia is one of the micro-entrepreneurs who has benefited from the Funds2Orgs group. (Courtesy Photo)

PERU – The Peru State Professional Staff, in conjunction with the College’s Foundation, is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from February 1 through March 31 to raise funds for a bench to be placed on the College’s Wellness Trail. The Professional Staff will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those dollars will benefit the entire community and the work being done on the College’s trail. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at the College in the Student Center or the Al Wheeler Activity Center or by contacting one of the committee members.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Peggy Groff, longtime employee of Peru State and a member of the Campus Community and Engagement Committee. “We know most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for a new bench for the trail, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the “Treads for the Trail,” the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Jeremiah Villeneuve, a member of the College’s Campus Services department, has been working hard on improving the trail for the past few years. Villeneuve was pleased to hear of the efforts of the Professional Staff and noted, “I’m blessed that Peggy and the other members of the Campus and Community Engagement Committee, have started this program which will help to promote wellness for current and future Bobcats.”

The Peru State Professional Staff is an organization comprised of the professional staff members on the College’s campus. It serves as a means of communication and consultation between the professional staff, the College president, and other campus senates.